The decision to cut the aid programme by $3.7 billion over four years was announced the day the Sydney siege ended as part of the Government’s mid year economic and fiscal outlook.

Treasurer Joe Hockey told Australians, “The cut in foreign aid is by far the largest reduction.”

Some Christians have expressed concern about the decision and its impact on the world’s poor. Here we take a look at what the Christian aid organisations are saying, and what you can do to voice your concerns.

Tear Australia has called the cuts an issue of “biblical justice”, with around a third of their partner organisations on the ground relying on Australian aid. They’re offering supporters the opportunity to quickly email their MP to voice concern about the cuts.

Meanwhile World Vision CEO Tim Costello called the cuts “madness”, pointing out cuts to aid announced just this year total $11.3 billion.

A coalition of aid organisations (including many Christian ones) lead by Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge have launched The Campaign for Australian Aid where concerned Australians can add their names to a nationwide petition.

Micah Challenge have broken the cuts down to numbers on the ground. By their estimations, the latest cuts will mean 600,000 fewer attended births, 900,000 fewer children going to school and 1.5 million fewer children vaccinated. They’re encouraging Christians to write to their local MPs and raise awareness on social media with this graphic.

Caritas, a large Catholic aid organisation says the cuts signal a “significant turning away from six decades of Australia playing a constructive leadership role in our region and on the world stage.” It’s calling on its supporters to a) write to their local newspaper b) learn more about Australian aid and c) spread the word: talk about Australian aid with their friends.